Park Authority

The Wonder Wagon is putting the pedal to the metal for its Summer Park Activation series. The Park Authority’s new mobile nature center launched its 2024 Summer Activation series on June 19 at Justice Park with a wagonload of guided and fun-filled activities for the community. With 10 additional parks included in the series, our team invites you to accelerate your summer experience in a park near you:

• Friday, July 5: Bruin Park, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 17: Mount Vernon Woods Park, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 6: Centre Ridge North Park, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 8: Tyler Park, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 14: South Lakes Drive Park, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Monday, Aug. 19: Clemyjontri Park, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 21: Historic Centreville Park, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 29: Ossian Hall, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 1: Baileys Park, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 5: Loisdale Park, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

The Wonder Wagon brings nature and stewardship education directly to residents through engaging and free activities. Programs and activities give residents a greater insight into their local environment and how the plants, animals and bugs interact within their ecosystem. The Wonder Wagon offers a variety of interactive activities, including plant exploration, bug catching, animal observation, scavenger hunts and bird watching! Guaranteeing a “wheelie” good time, the Wonder Wagon provides children with additional opportunities to continue their exploration of the outdoors and to inspire them to find the beauty of nature in all environments.

The Wonder Wagon was made possible thanks to the significant support of local community members and nature enthusiasts. It is also made possible thanks to the financial support provided from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and dozens of generous contributions -- including Pohanka Automotive, the Scott A. & Phyllis P. Crabtree Family Foundation Inc., National Park Service/Chesapeake Gateways, and The Environment Fund of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia -- through the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

For more information about the Wonder Wagon and a complete calendar of upcoming events, visit the Wonder Wagon website.

Summer fun at the parks is getting sweeter this July as the Fairfax County Park Authority prepares to celebrate National Ice Cream Month. With a wide variety of deliciously exciting events and promotions, there is something worth melting for that that all of our ice cream lovers can enjoy in the parks this summer.

Burke Lake Ice Cream Parlor

Visit the Burke Lake Ice Cream Parlor, which is stocked with decadent flavors of ice cream, snacks and drinks, for a great way to cool off after a day of summer fun at Burke Lake Park. Shelter D is nearby, so the parlor is great for summer birthday parties and gatherings. The parlor is also located near the train station, mini golf course and a playground. The ice cream parlor is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays.

Savor the Flavor with Park Programs

Do you want to learn how to make your own ice cream? Maybe you’re just looking to enjoy a program in the park while eating ice cream! In honor of National Ice Cream Month, the Park Authority has several programs that will have everyone screaming for ice cream, including:

• Dairy Days – Historic Ice Cream and Butter Making at Sully Historic Site. Churn butter, crank ice cream, milk a fake cow, play 18th-century games and experience the products of a historic dairy. Multiple time slots are available on July 5, 13, and 19. Cost $8.
• Garden Tour and Ice Cream at Green Spring Gardens. Tour the summer gardens with a Green Spring Master Gardener docent. Finish at the Historic House lawn to enjoy delicious ices. Sign up to attend on Saturday, July 20 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Cost $15.
• Games and Ice Cream at Colvin Run Mill. Experience hands-on history through simple recipes, crafts and games. Hand-crank homemade ice cream, churn your own delicious butter and cook over a fire. Learn how to make candles and play historical games. The Cooking & Crafts Camp is for kids aged 5 to 8, and it takes place July 15-19. The cost is $415. 
• Cool Down After a Round with ice cream at one of our golf courses. For more information, visit FCPA’s golf website.

Farmers markets are going plastic free this July in support of Plastic Free July, a global movement that is fighting for a solution to harmful plastic pollution. Plastic Free July will run from July 3 to July 28. The movement has already influenced more than 100 million participants in 190 countries, and the Park Authority is looking to add to those numbers through its farmers markets all month long!

Throughout Plastic Free July, there will be fun activities, great reusable giveaways, and a variety of environmental partners demonstrating how easy it is to go plastic bag-free at the farmers markets. In addition, the Park Authority has provided shopping baskets to produce vendors and compostable bags to all market vendors and will be giving away 5,000 washable produce bags and 2,500 reusable shopping bags during Plastic Free July. You can also make a difference by bringing your own reusable bags to the market and refusing to use plastic this July.

From the woods to the water, plastic is extremely damaging to all environments and the life that grows there. The reduction of plastic waste helps keep our communities clean and healthy. Join the Park Authority in its efforts to reduce plastic use and feel free to introduce some anti-plastic practices into your own lifestyle this month that keep our community clean and plastic-free.

Learn more about Plastic Free July

Plastic Free July at the Farmers Markets is provided in partnership with Clean Fairfax, 350 Fairfax and Trace – The Zero Waste Store.

On June 19, the Fairfax County Park Authority installed temporary fencing around turf field #4 at Grist Mill Park to close the area for restoration. Work will include resodding the goal and bare areas, as well as aerating the field. Weather pending, the field is expected to reopen in early August.

Field #4 will be closed to the public for the duration of the restoration work. However, Grist Mill Park has an additional natural turf field and a synthetic turf field that will be open during this time. Additional fields in the surrounding area can be located using FCPA’s Park Amenity Locator.

Grist Mill Park is located at 4710 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria. Questions regarding this project can be directed to the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Summer is heating up, but fun in the parks doesn’t stop! Still, the Fairfax County Park Authority is encouraging residents to play it safe when it comes to enjoying the outdoors in the summer heat. Here are five ways to help beat the heat and have some fun at the same time:

Drink Plenty of Water. Whether or not you may feel thirsty, your body needs hydration to help regulate your body temperature. When you sweat, the water inside your body evaporates into the air and helps cool you down. Drinking plenty of water in the summer heat refreshes your tastebuds and replenishes your fluids to keep your internal AC working in tip-top shape.

Protect Your Skin. Loose-fitting, lightweight and bright-colored clothing are the best ways to protect yourself from the sun and keep cool. Also, don’t underestimate the value of sunscreen (at least SPF 30), hats and sunglasses as means of protecting your skin and eyes from the sun.

Be Careful of Hot Surfaces. Be cautious when sitting or walking on hot surfaces. Remember, sidewalks, roads and playground equipment may be hot, especially when exposed to direct sunlight. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear; be mindful and check for potentially hot surfaces.

Take a Break. Too much fun in the sun can be harmful. Be sure to take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors to give your body a chance to cool down, and try to stay indoors during peak temperatures. Consider a visit to a Park Authority pool or water park during peak temperatures.

Be on the Lookout for Heat-Related Illness. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are no joke, and they can affect individuals who are otherwise in good health, as well as those with other risk factors. If you or someone you know experiences the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

• Heat exhaustion symptoms: heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting.
• Heat stroke symptoms: high body temperature, confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures.

For more information on staying safe during the summer months and extreme heat resources in Fairfax County, visit the Extreme Heat Resources webpage.

Master the art of kayaking and paddleboarding this summer with our expertly crafted classes led by top-notch guides. Enjoy the serene Potomac River at Riverbend Park or glide across the tranquil waters at Burke Lake Park, Lake Fairfax Park and Lake Accotink Park. All equipment and materials are provided—just bring your sense of adventure!

Perfect for All Skill Levels

Beginners will love our introductory classes, designed to teach the basics and build confidence. For the seasoned paddler, our advanced Kayaking Skills classes offer the chance to refine techniques in open water. Nature lovers can also join a naturalist-led paddle to discover the local flora and fauna at Lake Accotink and Lake Fairfax.

Adventure Awaits—Sign Up Today!

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, thrill-seeker or simply curious about paddling, our classes are tailored for every adventurer. 

Register for a kayaking class

Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series presents more than 190 exciting performances at 17 locations all summer long. Choose from an array of free, live performances featuring classical to bluegrass music and everything in between. Attend with friends and family, or just enjoy the music on your own — we hope to see you this summer!

Enjoy performances from outstanding local and national touring groups including:

• (June 28) The Artimus Pyle Band – Grist Mill Park: Rock on with The Artimus Pyle Band to classic Lynyrd Skynyrd songs, such as “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Free Bird” and “Simple Man.”
• (July 11) Speidel, Goodrich, Goggin & Lille – Frying Pan Farm Park: Embark on a musical journey through multiple genres held together by fantastic harmonies, top-notch musicianship and a killer band.
• (July 18) The United States 257th Army Band – Fairfax County Government Center: Join us as “The Band of the Nation’s Capital” performs a variety of music including classical, rock, jazz and more.
• (July 19) Yellow Dubmarine – Royal Lake Park: Enjoy and sing along to all of your favorite Beatles hits.
• (July 20) Saved by the ‘90s – Mosaic District: Strawberry Lane: Throw it back to the ‘90s with this huge, interactive cover band.
• (July 25) Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen – Frying Pan Farm Park: Experience this Grammy-nominated band perform a torrent of mind-blowing bluegrass.
• (Aug. 16) The United States Air Force Strings – Mason District Park Amphitheater: Join the official string ensemble of the U.S. Air Force for an evening of music ranging from classical symphonic selections to classic rock, bluegrass and patriotic compositions.
• (Aug. 18) Cheryl Wheeler with Kenny White – Mason District Amphitheater: Sing along to folk music with famed singer-songwriter Cheryl Wheeler and pianist and singer Kenny White.
• (Aug. 23) Deanna Bogart – Grist Mill Park: Hear Deanna Bogart’s dazzling keyboards, soulful saxophone, smoky vocals and cut-above songwriting.
• (Aug. 24) Bruce in the USA – Arrowbrook Centre Park: Jam on to your favorite tunes by Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band.
• (Aug. 31) Cloud Cult – Arrowbrook Centre Park: End your summer on a high note with Cloud Cult, a band known for their unique alternative-orchestral-folk-rock sound and hailed as one of the “Top 10 Green Bands” by Rolling Stone.

Explore the full list of upcoming performances by visiting the Summer Entertainment Series website. Wine, beer and snacks will be available for purchase at Mount Vernon Nights (Workhouse Arts Center); wine tastings and sales will be provided by Paradise Springs Winery at Music at Arrowbrook Park; and beer from 2 Silos Brewing Company will be available for purchase during the Springfield Nights Wednesday evening shows.

Performances are held outdoors and may be canceled in the event of inclement weather. Please call 703-324-SHOW (7469) before leaving home for inclement weather updates.

The Summer Entertainment Series performances are provided in partnership with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Fairfax County Park Foundation, and the tremendous support of individuals, businesses, corporations and volunteers who contribute to the success of these entertainment series.

The Summer Entertainment Series is sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation. The Fairfax County Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3), supports the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants, and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet our community’s needs for park land, facilities, and services. Visit the Fairfax County Park Foundation website for more information or call 703-324-8582.

There is no better way to celebrate Wetlands Awareness Day than by visiting the Fairfax County Park Authority’s premier wetland sanctuary at Huntley Meadows Park on Sunday, May 5, from 12-4 p.m. Come explore the wonders of the park including a nationally significant historic house, majestic forests, wildflower-speckled meadows and a vast wetland bursting with all forms of life. There is no cost for admission.

Some of the best wildlife watching in the Washington metropolitan area is here. Bring your friends and family to stroll the forested paths and immersive boardwalk trails. Appreciate the plants and animals that live in the park and find out why they play an important role at the park. This exciting event will feature live raptors, reptiles and amphibians.  Enjoy an up-close view of our creatures and interactive displays and activities. 

On-site parking is limited. Shuttle rides are available from nearby Groveton Elementary School, 6900 Harrison Ln., Alexandria. Shuttles run every 30 minutes with the last shuttle ride to Huntley Meadows Park at 3:30 p.m. The last return shuttle ride to Groveton Elementary School is at 4:15 p.m. The event will be held rain or shine.

To register for this free event, visit Wetlands Awareness Day. Huntley Meadows Park is located at 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria. For more information visit Huntley Meadows.
 

Children of all ages are excited to try out their new gadgets, gizmos and toys at their favorite local park. Just remember, our parks are places for everyone to have an enjoyable time in nature. Park rules are designed to ensure a pleasant experience for our guests, as well as the protection of wildlife that call parks their home. Here are some Fairfax County Park Authority rules to consider when visiting the parks with your new gifts this season:

E-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards and other electric conveyances are allowed in parks, but to protect environmental and cultural resources, you should only use them in areas where traditional (human pedal-powered) bicycles are allowed. Do not disturb wildlife, livestock or domesticated animals on park property. For your safety and the safety of others, maintain speeds under 20 mph. For details, visit the Electrically Assisted Bicycles and Other Conveyances webpage.

Drones may be used in some parks, but only if you remain in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration directives. Many parks are in no-fly zones due to their proximity to airports, etc. Get details for safe and responsible use of drones in parks at the Model Aircrafts and Drones webpage.

Marvel at how much distance you get with your new golf clubs at a county golf course or driving range, but projectiles (such as soaring golf balls) are prohibited elsewhere. Find a place to take your game to the next level by visiting the Golf website.

Unless you’re in a special archery program, bows and arrows should be left at home. That goes for stun guns, spears, slingshots, dart devices and other high-speed missile projectiles, too.

Camping overnight in your new tent? Make plans to register and stay in designated campgrounds by visiting the Campgrounds website first.

If you’re camping and preparing food, knives are permitted in parks; however, knives with a blade more than 4 inches in length should remain at home.

Got a new puppy? Remember to keep your furry friend on a leash and wait until they are at least 4 months old (and not in heat) before visiting a dog park. Bone up on the rules and find your nearest off-leash dog park.

New pony? There are plenty of equestrian trails and riding areas designated for equestrian use. Ride off into the sunset with information from the Park Authority’s Equestrian page.

Get ready to brag when you try out your new fishing rod at a waterfront park, but stay in compliance with Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries’ laws and park rules. Find tips on the best fishing spots and all the rules at the Fishing website.

Give your new ice skates a twirl at one of the Park Authority’s ice skating classes or at a local ice rink. It’s been pretty mild so far, but when it gets colder, remember to stay off seemingly frozen lakes, ponds and streams, which pose a drowning danger.

We’re expecting some good snow this year. This is a reminder that golf courses are made for golfing, not for sleds, tubes and skis.

Enjoy your new ear buds, but if you want to blast music loud enough for everyone to hear, you need to obtain written permission from the Park Authority.

Finally, if you are on a post-holiday treasure hunt, keep in mind that metal detectors may only be used with the FCPA’s express written permission.

With so many ways to have fun in Fairfax County parks, it’s easy to have a great experience without putting yourself and others at risk and ensuring that everyone has the same opportunity to enjoy themselves, as well.

Despite a few early raindrops, the sun broke through the clouds as the Fairfax County Park Authority, Board of Supervisors and hundreds of local little leaguers and their families celebrated the historic opening of the county’s new state-of-the-art baseball/softball sportsplex at Patriot Park North on Saturday, April 15. The event signaled the completion of a “game-changing” facility that offers a fantastic competitive experience and provides a significant economic benefit to the community.

“Patriot Park North provides a winning combination of community use and economic benefit that really knocks it out of the park,” said FCPA Executive Director Jai Cole. “This project is a wonderful example of what we can do together with the community and a host of partners in creating and executing a shared vision for amazing park facilities like this. This is a project we can all truly be proud of.”

Originally, the park was home to three grass diamond fields. In 2014, the FCPA acquired adjacent land, which expanded the site to 67 acres and opened the possibility for the redevelopment of the property to accommodate expanded use and create a prime destination for baseball and softball tournament play throughout the mid-Atlantic region.

The redevelopment of the park included the installation of six synthetic turf diamond fields (two 60-foot and four 90-foot diamonds), batting cages, warm-up areas, lighting, a 360-degree press box and deck, live streaming capability, concession stands, stormwater management, trails, playground, parking lot and other site amenities. The $22.7 million facility was funded through developer proffers and voter-approved 2016 and 2020 Park Bonds.

The FCPA anticipates significant returns on investment, with 26 committed tournaments already in process. The economic impact for the county is estimated between $162,000 to more than $1 million per tournament, depending on attendance and the duration of the event. The total estimated impact for all 26 tournaments is approximately $18.3 million in 2023.

Patriot Park North is located at 5425 Willow Springs School Road, in Fairfax. For additional information, visit the Patriot Park North website or call 703-324-5308.

Watch a video of the Patriot Park opening and ribbon-cutting.